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St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University

Faculty helping studentCollege of Education Computer Competency
Test-Out Information Page

What is it? This process is often referred to as "the test-out for IM 260" or "the test-out for the pre-req for IM 421/422". However, it is not a course equivalency exam, no credit is given (and there's no charge for taking the test).

ED Majors ARE required to demonstrate computer competency before admission to the IM 421 or 4/522 courses.

It's possible you have already met the requirement by taking a course listed as a prerequisite in the SCSU bulletin. Students often meet this competency by taking IM 245, or one of several SCSU Gen Ed courses that focus on developing general computer skills such as IM 260 (Area A - Humanities & Fine Arts, right column), CNA/CSCI 169 (Area B - Natural Sciences, left column), ETS 157 (Area B - Natural Sciences, right column). If you don't take one of the prerequisites then you must demonstrate computer competency through a test procedure -- the subject of this web page.

The skills tested: The competencies below need to be demonstrated with a high level of proficiency. There's an observed demonstration of your operating system skills, a multiple choice test, and a word processing mini-project that you must complete.

The student must be able to:

  1. Name and explain the functions of a computer system and its components.
  2. Operate a computer system, its software and peripherals.
  3. Explain and apply the concepts of basic to intermediate electronic text document creation (word processing and E-mail).
  4. Explain the concepts and typical applications of other common types of software applications, including the Internet, database, spreadsheet, graphics, and programming languages.
  5. Articulate a belief in the efficacy of computers for problem solving.

[Link to list of tasks you must be able to successfully explain or demonstrate.]

Setting up a test session:

  • USING YOUR HUSKYNET ACCOUNT for the e-mail message, propose a day/time drawn from the schedule below by contacting the appropriate test proctor. We will reply to confirm [Note: Using HuskyNet indicates e-mail proficiency]. Allow at least a three day lead time to set up a test session.
  • Also, please specify your preference for using a Mac or Windows computer system for the test session.

Testing Schedule:

Please contact the following proctors to schedule a test appointment.

Mary Waite wama0802@stcloudstate.edu Monday 8:30am - 2:30pm; Wednesday 8:30am - 11:30am
Mu (Jason) He hemu0801@stcloudstate.edu Tuesday 8am - 12pm; Wednesday 12:30pm - 4:30pm; Thursday 8am - 10am
Sabina Yasmin yasa0901@stcloudstate.edu Tuesday 12pm - 5pm; Wednesday 12pm - 5pm
  • You MUST have set up your Huskynet e-mail account to take the test and know your Huskynet user name and password.
  • Test participants should come to MC 110 (the library - first floor East wing) at the appointed time to take the test.
  • The whole test takes about 2 hours to complete so if your appointed start time was 10, you'd finish about 12.
  • Request your test results by sending an e-mail to the testing procter after the testing session.

Alternatives:

  1. Those unsure of their skills and in need of a "brush up" could take computer skills classes offered by Learning Resources & Technology Services (aka the Library). LR&TS' InforMedia Services (IMS) offers technology training workshops on computers and software that can be taken during the semester at various times. Go to http://ims.stcloudstate.edu/courses_d.htmlto see a listing of workshops scheduled for the current semester. St. Cloud Technical College also offers computer skills workshops through its "Door 15" program. Follow this link for more info. In addition, Community Education programs often offer computer skills classes (for example, see St. Cloud Schools' Community Ed site).

    If that's an useful alternative for you then contact the CIM testing coordinator to see which of these workshops would best enable you to successfully complete the testout.
  2. CIM also offers an "Instructional Technology Certificate" program that requires 4 courses: IM 245; IM 421 or 422; plus any two of the following: IM 260, 404, 455, and/or 462. Since IM 245 can be taken as a prerequisite to IM 421/422, two more courses nets an ED major a professional certificate that appears on your transcript as an attractive employment credential verifying special expertise with instructional technology. Check with the IM office (call or e-mail: CIM@stcloudstate.edu) for more details or see the IM program descriptions.